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The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee has advanced a proposed law to establish a countywide animal abuse registry. This registry will list individuals convicted of animal abuse or neglect, requiring them to register with the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office. Convicted individuals will remain on the list for 15 years after their first offense, and permanently if convicted of additional crimes. According to NEWS10 ABC, the registry will include the offender's name, address, and photograph, and will be accessible to the public, as well as local shelters and social services.
Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett emphasized the importance of the registry, stating it will help prevent convicted abusers from adopting or purchasing animals, thereby reducing the risk of repeated cruelty cases. Public Safety Committee Chair Supervisor John Lant noted that animal cruelty often signals deeper violent tendencies, making this registry a commitment to public safety.
The proposal will next move to the Law & Finance Committee before being presented to the full board on August 19. If approved, a public hearing will occur on September 10, with the law taking effect 90 days after filing with the Secretary of State.
State Senator James Tedisco has advocated for a statewide registry, highlighting the importance of comprehensive measures to protect animals across New York. He supports bipartisan legislation for a statewide registry, which would prevent abusers from obtaining animals in counties without their own registries, as detailed by the New York State Senate.